Archive for May, 2010

BOTW: The Language Instinct by Steven Pinker

27 May, 2010

The Language Instinct: The New Science of Language and Mind by Steven Pinker

This week the Media Book Club brings you the best-selling classic from linguist and cognitive scientist, Steven Pinker. The Language Instinct covers almost everything to do with how language works, from its acquisition, cognition and evolution. Pinker develops the theory that language is a hardwired instinct that has evolved in the human brain and that all languages share a few features in common. The Economist described Pinker’s style of writing as “unfailingly articulate, funny and clear” and it is this that marks The Language Instinct as one of the most engaging books ever written on the subject.

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BOTW: Alex’s Adventures in Numberland by Alex Bellos

20 May, 2010

Alex in Numberland by Alex Bellos

With all the current talk of deficits, emergency budgets and public spending cuts, The Media Book Club is struggling to get to grips with all this fiddling of figures. If you’re in a similar numerical muddle why not check out, former Guardian foreign correspondent, Alex Bellos’ new book Alex in Numberland. Bellos takes a sort of sociohistorical-travelogue approach to the potentially drab subject of mathematics and succeeds in producing a thoroughly readable book. From the world’s fastest mental multiplication in Germany to fixing the odds of slot machines in Nevada, Bellos shares with the reader his personal passion for the fascinating world of mathematics.

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BOTW: Cameron by Frances Elliott and James Hanning

13 May, 2010

Cameron: the rise of the new Conservative

Well it certainly has been an exhausting week for British politics but at the end of one of the most extraordinary elections in recent years we finally have a new Prime Minister. David Cameron is a relatively new kid on the political block so if you feel you haven’t quite got to know him yet, Cameron: The Rise of the New Conservative by Frances Elliott and James Hanning, could well be the book to formerly introduce you. The Telegraph’s Andrew Gimson said of Elliot and Hannings biography, “anyone hoping to penetrate Cameron’s still rather opaque political personality will want to buy this book, which in readable though inelegant form offers much ammunition to both his admirers and his detractors”. Cameron: The Rise of the New Conservative is an all-round informative read for anyone interested in the future of British Government.

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BOTW: Mark Thomas presents the People’s Manifesto

6 May, 2010

Mark Thomas presents The People's Manifesto

May 6th is finally here and if you’re fed up with all the election coverage and dizzied by that darn Swingometer, The Media Book Club offers you a little respite. Mark Thomas presents The People’s Manifesto is the culmination of a country-wide tour with the aim of bringing power back to the people. With such discerning proposals as: all politicians will be forced to wear the names and logos of the companies that sponsor them or with whom they have financial links; anyone who supports ID cards is banned from having curtains and anyone found guilty of homophobic hate crime has to serve their sentence in drag. All together 50 policies are presented alongside Mark’s hilarious commentary.”The People’s Manifesto” will provide either inspiration or comic relief to those of you that are sick to death with the current political quagmire.

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